Question for Group Discussion based on Mark Scott’s Bible lesson for May 5, 2024
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1. Who comes to mind when you think of someone with great integrity? Why?
Ask two people to read aloud 2 Corinthians 1:12-24; 2:12-17, one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passages.
2. In the first part of our lesson text, Paul defended himself against charges that he says one thing and does another (i.e., that Paul lacks integrity). The person who summarized the passages (above) may have touched on this, but please discuss in more depth the situation Paul was facing. (Refer to Mark Scott’s lesson, if necessary.)
• Why was this an important issue for Paul?
• Why is integrity an important issue for all leaders?
3. It’s not perfectly clear what Paul’s critics in Corinth may have been saying about the apostle. But, based on your reading of this Scripture, what might have been some of their criticisms?
4. In 2 Corinthians 1:23, Paul said that “it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.” In light of what has already been discussed, why was “not returning to Corinth” likely the best course of action?
5. In 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, Paul described the pleasing aroma of the knowledge of Christ. It’s an intriguing metaphor. How is the “knowledge of Christ” akin to an “aroma.”
6. In verse 17, Paul again defended his integrity. Discuss the possible differences between people who spread God’s Word with integrity and sincerity and those spread God’s Word in a less upright manner.
7. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
For Next Week: Read and reflect on 2 Corinthians 4:1-18; 12:23-31. You can also read next week’s supplemental texts and the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
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